'Media circus' expected at murder trial

Friday

May 23, 2014 at 3:15 AMMay 23, 2014 at 7:03 PM

It is still too early to tell how many news outlets plan to cover the Seth Mazzaglia murder trial after jurors are sworn in Tuesday, but public information officer Carole Alfano said she has been contacted by a number of television stations and print publications who want access to the proceedings.

By Kimberley Haaskhaas@fosters.com

DOVER — Line up the live trucks. It is time for the media circus to begin.

It is still too early to tell how many news outlets plan to cover the Seth Mazzaglia murder trial after jurors are sworn in Tuesday, but public information officer Carole Alfano said she has been contacted by a number of television stations and print publications who want access to the proceedings.

Alfano, who is the head media contact during the course of the trial, said employees of “Dateline NBC,” Kingworld Productions “Inside Edition,” and CBS News' “48 Hours” have all contacted her about coverage.

A team from “48 Hours” has been designated as the video pool provider. The Associated Press is handling the still photo pool. Alfano said they were chosen because they were the first to ask and staff at the court is confident they will provide highly professional coverage.

“They know how a pool works,” Alfano said.

During a trial, a judge may determine that pool coverage is required instead of allowing the media free access to the courtroom like they normally get as members of the public. That means only one video cameraman and one still photographer will be admitted into court. The purpose is to ensure a fair trial for the defendant. It is believed that too many cameras could sway or distract the jurors.

There will be no restrictions on access for print journalists, Alfano said.

In a media advisory issued Wednesday, Alfano said space in front of Strafford County Superior Court has already been reserved for live truck parking. WMUR will be joined by television stations from Boston, Alfano said.

Alfano said local and Boston-based print publications have reached out to her as well.

The added media attention has not created an additional burden on court staff, Alfano said. No overtime has been paid as a result of media requests for records.

A large binder with all of Mazzaglia's court documents has been placed by the clerk's window. Previously, there were three white folders in which the information about his case was kept.

Mazzaglia, 31, of Dover, has been charged with first-degree murder for his involvement in the killing of 19-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzi” Marriott on Oct. 9, 2012. Prosecutors allege Mazzaglia strangled Marriott with a rope during bondage, domination and sadomasochism sex at the Mill Street apartment he shared with his 19-year-old girlfriend, Kathryn “Kat” McDonough.

Mazzaglia's trial is expected to last between two and three weeks, but may take up to one month. The prosecution expects to call approximately 142 witnesses. Mazzaglia's defense team plans to call seven witnesses to the stand to testify on his behalf.